Automatic suction primer for oil field service



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Feb. 23, 1937. B. s. NELSON E'r Al.

AUTOMATIC SUCTION PRIMER FOR OIL FIELD S Filed Dec. Il, 1954 Feb. 23, 1937. B. s, NELsoN AL AUTOMATIC, SCTION PRIMER FOR OIL FIELD SERVICE Filed Deo. 11, 1954 2 sheets-sheet 2 ff: E 54 gif@ E -5.

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Patented Feb. 23, 1937 PATENT gOFFICE AU'roMA'rrc sUc'rIoN PRIMER Foa om FIELD vsnavlen Bernard Stanley Nelson,

New Orleans, La., Henry Edward Chambers, Jr., and John Gerald Norton, Dallas,

y Company, Limited, New

poration of Louisiana Tex., assignors to A.

M. Lockett and Orleans, La., a cor- Application December 11,1934, serie'l Ne. '151,056

1, Claim.

This invention relates more particularly to means for automatically keeping primed the pumping plant which picks up the crude oil from an oil producing field and 4pumps said oil into a a pipe line system vwhich conveys the oil to distant storage stations, refineries, or other removed points of consumption.

In an oil lproducing field, the crude oil from the various wells is gravitated or deposited by 10 various means into a number of scattered field storage tanks set above ground. From said storage tanks, which may be disposedover a considerable area and located at dierent. elevations, the oil flows by gravity into a gathering or co1- 15 lecting line, which leads to a pumping system comprising one or a plurality of pumps, which, in turn, convey said oil to a shipping pointer distillation plant.

With a number of tanks scattered over a field 20 and under more or less haphazard methods and irrespective of the most favorable oil eld operating conditions, the iiow of oil through the gathering line to the pumping system is spasmodic or interrupted due to an operator allowp5 ing a field tank to completely empty and thereby permitting a large quantity of air to enter the suction or gathering line. When this situlation occurs, the emptied tank is required to be shut off and a second gathering tank under pressure allowedto iiow, or another tank be immediately cut in at required vacuum to lift the oil into the gathering line, thereby necessitating the gathering pumps, at times, to handle air or gases liberated by the oil, or act g5 under conditions of pressure or vacuum. i

'Due to the foregoing described variations of and interruptions of oil supply to the gathering pumps or pumping system, ithas been impracticable to use centrifugal pumps, `which displace a@ or injure their internal cooperating valves or parts, if allowed to run dry, owing to having'no self-priming functi'm.v i

Great difficulty has been -experienced and trouble encountered in oil pipe systems when a a5 reciprocating pump is used, for the reason when a pump of this type takes air and later picks up the oil, there is a decided hammer reaction which displaces itsvalves and causes additional and serious mechanical damages, requiring cutgo iting out the pump and thereby interrupting the flow of the oil. i

While the invention herein disclosed is more particularly described with reference to the use of oil pipe systems, such reference is intended to 55 illustrate and include other applicable uses in which the same conditions and problems are involved.

The object of the present invention is to provide a compact, efficient and A,automatic means requira ing a minimum cost for installation and upkeep,

(Cl. ID3-113) and insuring kat all times a continuous and uniform flow of oil, irrespective of ,the` pumping conditions heretofore explained, due to accumulation of air or gas or varying static pressure in the pipe lines, difference in ground level and size of said pipe lines, quantitiesA of oil being handled, or failure ofthe operators to cut off a eld tank receiving oil from the well.

A further object of the invention is to devise and arrange the elements comprising the invention whereby is assured the use of not only centrifugal pumps, which. `have many advantages overother forms used at present for this purpose, butalso adapted for use with any other form of reciprocating pump with better .operation and less repairs due to the elimination of herein referred to water hammer vcaused by the presence of gas and air in the fluid pumped.

The foregoing and otherfobjects and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understoodfrom the following description, taken in connection with the'accompanying two sheets of drawings, and the distinctive features of novelty willv be thereafter pointed' out in the appended claim. 1

Referring to the drawings, in which similar reference characters indicate the same parts in the several iigures,

Figure l is a perspective view, showing the invention as applied to oil gathering and pumping system of an oil eld;

FigureZ is a side elevation of the chamber receiving the oil from the iield tanks;

Figure 3 is a vertical section of the receiving chamber taken on line IlI-III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged and fragmentary view of a Mercoid switch, used in Vconnection with the receiving chamber;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing the electrical circuits, switches and their cooperating actuating means for controlling the actuation of pumps functioning with the receiving chamber;

and,

Figure 6l is a diagrammatic view showing the use of a plurality of pumps.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, I0, II and I2 are a ynumber of tanks distributed or properly arranged, and at various elevations, about an oil field and adapted torreceive and store crude oil received from various wells, not shown, as is common in "this class of operations, and need no further disclosure.

Said tanks III, II and I2 are connected by means of a series of gathering or collecting pipe lines I3, IB, I5 and I6 to a single pipe line I1, which conveys the crude oil by gravity, or otherwise, to kan gimprovedpumping system, which elevation of the I a constant flow of fluid or oil tothe rpumping system, thereby enabling picks up said crude oil andv forces it through a pipe line to a shipping point, refinery, or other desired destination, in a manner to be presently described.

Said pumping system, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a crude oil receiving tank I8 of adequate volume, a main centrifugal oil pump I9 operated by an electric motor 28, preferably of alternating three phase type, and a rotary priming pump 2| operated by a similar type of electric motor 22.

The interior oi the lower section of the receiving tank I8 is in communication with and receivescrude oil fromy the pipe line I1, while the other side of the lower section of the tank I8 from that in communication with pipe line |1 is in communication, by dischargepipe `line 23, with the suction end of said main centrif-i ugal pump I9, which, in turn, conveys and forces the oil through pipe line 24, leading to any desired destination, shipping point or reiinery, not shown, and in a manner to be hereinafter explained.

It is to be understood that the length of said pipe 23 can be increased or decreased so that the connection of the suction end of said pump I9 can be disposed as shown in Figure 1, or adjacent to or in `contact with the exterior of the discharge opening or fluid outlet 9, without departure from the present invention.

The suction end of priming pump 2| is connected by means of piping 25 with the interior of the upper section of tank I8, as shown, for purposes of withdrawing any excessive accumulation of entrained air or gas freed from the oil and for purposes described later.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the inner end of the oil pipe |1, leading into the. lower section of receiving tank I8, is provided with an. upturned section 26 for' the purpose of deilecting the incomingr oil upwardly and towards the top section of said tank I8, and diverting said oil from being drawn towards and passing directly through the oppositely disposed discharge oil pipe 23, leading to main oil pump |9,'which diversion ofthe crude oil permits the liberation, and accumulation in the upper end of said tank |8, of any gas or air entrained in said oil, and thereby prevents said entrained air or gasfrom being conveyed to and freed within the casing of the main pumpy I9, and which would allow said pump to run dry or produce an undesirable and injurious hammer` action, causing injury to the pump, and nally a complete shut down of the pumping system.

An enlarged and open ended tube 21 is vertically supported within the tank |8 and extends from an opening 28 in upper end` 29 of said tank I8 to a short distance from its bottom 30, as shown in Figure 3, saidgtube 21 being provided with a series of openings 3| for the purpose of permitting the escape of gas or air, or flow of oil within the upper sectionv of said tube 21 into the upper end of tank I8, for purposes readily understood.

Attached toa plate 32 having a threaded central opening 33, and secured over the upper open end of the tube 21, is a second and smaller vertical tube 34, having its lower open end 35 secured into the central opening 33, and itsupperend closed with a cap 38, the vertical axes of said tubes 21 and 34 and cylindrical receiving tank I8 being coincident, as shown, and for purposes to be presently disclosed.

Interposed between and separating the upper and lower sections of said tube 34 is a casing 31 of an electric switch 38, preferably of the Mercoid type, operated by an oscillating arm 39, as shown in said tube 21 with the level of oil within the tank I8 and elevate or lower the stops 42 and 43 attached, respectively, to the upper and lower portion of said rod 40, as shown, and adapted to cooperate with and oscillate the arm 39 of switch 38, for purposes of opening and closing said Mercoid switch 38.

A normally closed and electrically operated valve 44, forclosing or permitting communication oi.' pipe v25 with the upper portion of tank I8 and suction end of priming pump 2|, is arranged above said tank, as shown in Figures 2 and' 3, and disposed in said pipeline 25, as indicated in Figurer, and whose operation will be more fully hereinafter indicated.

Near the bottom and exterior of the tank I8 is arranged the casing 49 of a second Mercoid switch `45, controlling the actuation of the main centrifugal pump I9.

The oscillating arm 46, operating said switch 45, extends into the interior of the tank |8 and is provided at its end with a iloat 41 protected by an open endedshleld 48, as shown in Figure 3, said float 41 being adapted to move between the levels indicated by lines c and o and respond to the level of .the oil in said tank I8, for purposes illustrates an arrangement of electrical circuits I for actuation of the several cooperating elements of the invention, lines 50, 50 indicate the source of current from any suitable three phase electric generator, not shown, leading to motor 22 of priming pump 2 I.

5I, 5| are circuits properly tapped from lines 50, 50 and leading to motor 20 of main pump I9. 52, 52 are circuits tapped, as indicated, for energizing a solenoid 53 for opening normally and spring closed valve 44. 54, 54 are circuits tapped, as shown, leading to Mercoid switch 38 and controlling the solenoid 55, which is capable of closing a normally spring actuated open switch 58,

which, in turn, is adapted to simultaneously close the circuits 50, 50, and 52, 52, so that the valve 44 is opened at the same time when the priming pump 2| is started and operating.

v51, 51 are circuits tapped from lines 5|, 5|, which lead to Mercoid switch 45, actuated by i'loat 41, said switch 45y controlling the energizing of a solenoid 58 to close the normally open spring actuated switch 59, when said iloat 41 is at its elevated position or at or above line c, due to oil level being above discharge opening 9 of tank I8 full lines, the pilot Mercoid switch '45 the switch 59 to stop the main pump I9, asl

being constructed and arranged, as explained, and the cooperating electrical circuits connected, as indicated, the manner of operating the same is as follows:

Assuming no oil is in the tank I8, the oats 4I and 41 will be in their lowest and dotted positions, shown inv Figure 3, and the upper stop 42 on rod 40 has depressed the voscillating. lever 39 and closed the pilot Mercoid switch 38.

The float 41, being in its lowest position, the pilot Mercoid or magnetic switch 45 is open, and, as heretofore explained, the solenoid actuated or magnetic switch 50 is also open and, hence, the main pump I9 is inactive, as desired, in view of the proper head of oil in the tank I8 for priming said pump I9 being absent. g

The necessary electrical current being supplied to circuits 50, 5I) and 5I, 5I, shown in Figure 5, the pilot switch 38 being closed, the current trav-v els in the circuit lines 54 and 54 and energizes the solenoid 55, closing switch 56, which, in turn, closes circuit lines 52 and 52, thereby energizing the solenoid 53 to lift or open the Valve 44 and simultaneously start the priming pump 2 I, as will be clearly understood, and needs no further eX- planation. n

The priming pump 2I operating and the valve 44 being open, the air or gas in the combined priming and receiving tank I8 exhausts through the pipe connection 25, the pressure within said tank I8 is reduced below normal atmospheric pressure, the crude oil gravitates into the pipe line I1 and is drawn into the tank I8.

As the oil flows into the tank, the float 4I rises and should the level of the oil reach a predetermined level, the lower stop 43 engages and lifts lever 39, breaking the Mercoid switch 38, which loperation de-energizes the solenoids 53 and 55, and simultaneously restores the valve 44 to its closed position and stops the operation of the priming pump 2 I.

During the admission of the oil into the tank I8, the float 41 rises from a level indicated at o and position shown in dotted lines in Figure 3; as soon as the level of the oil reaches a point c,

and the float 41 is closed and through the tapped circuits 51, 51, the solenoid 58 is energized, which closes thevmagnetic switch 59 and starts the operation of the main pump I9 and forces the crude oil received from pipe 23 through the pipe line 24 to the desired point of consumption or shipment.

Should there by any fully supply the necessary oil to the tank I8, or said tank or its fittings should leak and the level of the oil in tank I8 sink to thelower line o, the float 41 would again assume the indicated lower dotted position and put the pilot Mercoid switch 45 in its open position. and `zie-energize the solenoid switch 59 and cut out the current to the motor, 20 operating the main pump I9,

thereby'not only conserving sufficient crude oil I8 and pipe 23 to properly prime when its operation is resumed, I9 for in said tanky said pump I9 but also preventing injury to the pump lack of iiuid passing through the same.

It will also be seen, pump 2I failed to function, or an excess of entrained gas came over with the oil and was liberated in the tank I8 so that the pressure of the accumulated gas within the tank I8 would ldepress the oil level below the line c, the float 41 would operate the pilot switch 45 and open can be utilized with assumes a position indicated in failure to properly and in the event the priming heretofore explained.

Whenthe vpumping system works under pressure, due to the accumulation of gas in the tank I8, should an excessive pressure suddenly de-` velop the solenoid actuated combined cutoff and relief valve 44 would be lifted from its seat, due to said abnormal pressure of gas, and permit its escape, and restore normal and desired pressure in said tank.

The vinvention is not restricted to a single pump of the rotary or reciprocating type, but a single combined receiving and priming tank I8 a plurality or battery of main pumps arranged as illustrated in Figure 6, in which I8I is the single combined receiving and priming tank having a priming pump 2I I, supply inlet pipe I1I, and branched discharge pipe 23|, leading to a plurality of main pumps I9I, I9I.

While one embodiment of thel invention is hereindisclosed, it will be readily manifest to any one skilled in theart that many changes or substitutions would be suggested, and although rotary pumpsV are shown, those of the reciprocating, centrifugal, or other types could be substituted.

Other electric switch operating mechanism or mechanical means for controlling the operation ofthe main and priming pumps and cooperating valve for outlet or release of the accumulated gas specific arrangement herein disclosed, whereby a single pumping system having a single combined receiving and priming tank is capable of handling the entire ol field gathering pumping station, whether employing one or a'plurality of rotary or reciprocating pumps, and'insuring the constant and satisfactory priming and operation of all of said pumps. Y What we claim is: I

An automatic primer fora pumping system comprising a receiving line, a vertical cylindrical combined liquid receiving and priming chamber having aliquid inlet at its lower section in communication-with said receiving line, said liquid inlet being provided with a pipe having an upturned section within and at the bottom of said chamber for the vertical and upward introduction of the liquid -within said chamber, an independent liquid outlet disposed at the bottom and opposite side of said chamber from that of said liquid inlet, an upper accumulated gas outlet provided with a normally closed cut-off valve, a normally operative main pump having its suction end in communication with said liquid outlet, a vertical tube axially arranged within and connected ing with the bottom section of said chamber below the upper end of said upturned pipe section, meanscontrolled by the level of the liquid within said receiving and priming chamber for controlling the actuation of said-normally operative main pump in communication with said liquid outlet, an independent and normally inoperative second pump in communication with said gas outlet for removing liberated gas within said chamber, and a movable iioat within said vertical tube andfcontrolled by the level of the liquid withink said tube for simultaneously actuating said normally closed cut-oir valve and said normally inoperative second pump.

to the top of and communicat- 

